Irene Bell

January 27, 2008

Aberdeen - Irene Bell, 94, of Aberdeen and formerly of Doland, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2008, at ManorCare Health Services. A Celebration of Irene's Life will be at the United Methodist Church in Doland at a later date. Irene's wishes were to be cremated and burial of her cremated remains will be at the Doland Cemetery. Schriver's Memorial Mortuary and Crematory, Aberdeen, is in charge of arrangements. Irene Welch was born April 1, 1913, to John Edward and Emma (Noble) Welch at Doland, S.D., where she was raised and attended Doland High School. In her younger years, she worked at the Humphrey Drug store, the Thompson Cafe, the Lovelace Cafe in Doland, and she also worked at a cafe in Redfield. Irene married Ralph “Butch” Bell July 3, 1931, in Elk Point, S.D. They had three children - Monte, Jim and Joanne - and they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 1981. From 1938 through 1941, the Bells worked for Hector Construction Company. Irene was the cook for the construction company crew. The construction company did gravel and asphalt surfacing work, primarily in Minnesota. The Bell's purchased their first and only home from Spink County for $310.00 in July 1941. As years went by, they acquired more adjoining lots and eventually owned half of a city block. Irene spent many hours on a tractor mower keeping all of their property mowed. Irene was an avid gardener. She raised enough produce to put on the table, and canned enough vegetables and pickles to last two or three years. She was well-known for her homemade angel food cakes and bread. She was a good cook and enjoyed working in the kitchen. She generously shared her baked and canned goods with her church, friends and family. After her children were raised, Irene went back to work for the Lockwood Locker Store, the Doland School Lunch Program and the Westside Cafe. In addition, Irene was a member of the Eastern Star and volunteered with the Doland Band Boosters, Girl Scouts, the Doland Methodist Church and United Methodist Women. In September 1996, after encouragement from her children, Irene moved to Aberdeen. She resided at Primrose Apartments until July 2007. For several years, she planted a flower garden that she could see from her apartment window. Irene enjoyed reading books and magazines, watching game shows and news programs. Due to ill health, Irene moved to ManorCare Health Services in August 2007, where she resided until the time of her death. Irene is survived by one son, Jim (Pat) Bell of Albuquerque, N.M., one daughter, Joanne (Ronald) Lyren of Aberdeen, seven grandchildren and 13 great-grand- children. Irene was preceded in death by her husband, one son, one daughter-in-law, two granddaughters, two brothers and one sister. The family prefers memorials to the Doland Cemetery Association or North Plains Hospice and Palliative Care Program, 305 S. State St., Aberdeen, SD 57401. Condolences may be sent to P.O. Box 1181, Aberdeen, SD 57402-1181.